In a perplexing turn of events, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has added another layer of confusion to its junior welterweight title situation. The WBA stated that the title, which was previously believed to be vacant, still belongs to Rolando Romero. However, Romero, the controversial champion, is currently sidelined due to an injury, leading the WBA to designate him as the "champion in recess." This decision has raised eyebrows within the boxing community, as the WBA's handling of the 140-pound title has been nothing short of disastrous. The ongoing chaos began when Romero secured the title in a fight against Ismael Barroso, a bout that was marred by a highly criticized stoppage. Referee Tony Weeks halted the contest in round nine, even though no clean punch had landed to justify the stoppage. Barroso, a 40-year-old fighter, was ahead on all three scorecards at the time, making the decision to stop the fight all the more contentious. Many called for an immediate rematch, given the questionable outcome. However, the WBA ordered Romero to face Ohara Davies instead of granting Barroso the rematch he deserved. This decision only added to the controversy surrounding the title, leaving fans and experts bewildered by the WBA's actions. As the situation stands, Ohara Davies and Ismael Barroso are now set to contest the interim title, while Romero holds the "champion in recess" status. Barroso, who had been previously jobbed out of a championship due to the controversial stoppage, has been denied the opportunity to reclaim what many believe was rightfully his. The chaos surrounding the WBA's junior welterweight title has exposed flaws in the organization's decision-making and raises concerns about the credibility of boxing's sanctioning bodies. Fans and observers are left frustrated, hoping for a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport. The WBA's handling of the 140-pound title serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and fair play in boxing, as controversies like these only serve to tarnish the sport's reputation.

Last weekend witnessed a gripping junior lightweight title showdown between O’Shaquie Foster and Eduardo Hernandez that might not have received the same spotlight as Tyson Fury's encounter with Francis Ngannou, but it left fans spellbound. The eleventh round of the bout showcased one of the most spectacular frames of action in 2023. Coupled with the exhilarating Emanuel Navarette-Oscar Valdez clash earlier in the summer, these fights are injecting life and excitement into the 130-pound division. Now, the stage is set for Joe Cordina, a 31-year-old Welshman, to defend his IBF crown in the junior lightweight division against 28-year-old Texan Edward Vazquez (15-1, 3 KO) this Saturday, with the action exclusively available on DAZN at 3 PM EST. This fight marks Cordina's second appearance in the ring this year, following his triumphant return from an injury-induced hiatus. Cordina's victory over Shazkatdzhon Rakhimov earlier in the year adds to the growing list of compelling title fights in the division. If Cordina-Vazquez delivers an enthralling battle, following the Foster-Hernandez showdown, it could solidify the division's identity and pave the way for an exciting 2024. With the potential inclusion of a fascinating match between Hector Garcia and Lamont Roach later in the month, the junior lightweight division is becoming a hub for thrilling boxing action, both with established stars and rising talents. On the flip side, the undercard fight below Cordina-Vazquez presents a different story at junior flyweight. Kenshiro Teraji, the reigning lineal and unified champion at 108 pounds, holds two of the division's belts and has his sights set on a third. Earlier in the year, hopes were high for a unification clash with WBO titlist Jonathan Gonzalez, but due to illness, Gonzalez had to withdraw from a planned title defense against Gerardo Zapata. Nontshinga, the 24-year-old IBF titlist, appears to be in excellent health, and his fight against Adrian Curiel (23-4-1, 4 KO) on Saturday could hold significant implications for the division's unification goals, alongside the potential Gonzalez bout. Assuming Nontshinga secures a victory, it introduces an intriguing element to Teraji's pursuit. Teraji is 31, and Gonzalez is 32, making Nontshinga, standing out for his youth, a promising future challenger. As time passes, Nontshinga could only improve while his competitors age, making him a formidable contender. As we approach the weekend, we have two distinct tales of title fights – one that can continue the division's resurgence and another that could bring us closer to unification. Both fights, taking place in divisions teeming with excitement, offer fans an intriguing spectacle and provide a glimpse into the bigger picture of the boxing world. In other boxing news, the long-anticipated clash between Juan Francisco Estrada and Kazuto Ioka remains elusive, leaving fans wondering why this dream match has not yet materialized. Additionally, a bout between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder would undoubtedly capture the imagination of boxing enthusiasts, and the closing date for Showtime Boxing on December 16th is fast approaching, marking the end of an era that is sure to be celebrated with a nostalgic tribute to the sport's history. Cliff Rold, the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, offers valuable insights into the boxing world, providing readers with a unique perspective on the sport's ongoing stories and potential future showdowns.

In an exciting turn of events, Efe Ajagba and Joe Goodall are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch scheduled for this Saturday, November 4th, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. This bout promises to have a significant impact on the future of both fighters' careers. The pre-fight press conference delved into their shared history, harking back nearly a decade to their clash in the semifinals of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Surprisingly, Goodall emerged as the victor in that amateur contest, a result that continues to resonate with Ajagba. Reflecting on their past encounter, Ajagba revealed, "I lost to him in the Commonwealth Games in 2014. So, that’s the guy I lost to. This fight will be a rematch for me. This fight holds a special place in my heart because of that loss." True to his nickname 'The Silent Roller,' Ajagba may not be one for extensive pre-fight trash talk, but he emphasized his transformation inside the ring, saying, "The ‘Silent Roller’ is my nickname, so I’m going to come out as a beast in the fight. I’m silent outside, but in the ring, I’m a different guy." On the other side of the ring, Joe Goodall sees this bout as his golden ticket to greater things. This contest is for a secondary version of the WBC heavyweight title, and with uncertainties surrounding Tyson Fury's career, Goodall envisions it as his gateway to a potential world title opportunity. Having previously knocked out Stephan Shaw in July, Goodall is determined to take on one of the most active fighters in the heavyweight division, Efe Ajagba. He stated, "I’m going to come into the ring with a ferocious spirit. I’m going to bring everything—training, sparring, everything I’ve got. I've been knocking people out in sparring, and I’m going to bring that into the fight." This match represents more than just a sporting competition; it's a battle for respect. Ajagba aims to set the record straight regarding his past loss to Goodall in the amateur ranks. On the other hand, Goodall is eager to establish himself as a heavyweight contender, proving that his previous win against Shaw was no fluke. The winner of this contest is poised for significant opportunities in the heavyweight division, with Ajagba seeking to reaffirm his position among the top-ten heavyweights after a strong comeback year following his loss to Frank Sanchez. Meanwhile, Goodall aims to prove that he belongs among the world's elite heavyweights. In the world of boxing, history has shown us that amateur losses can be avenged in the professional realm. Mike Tyson famously lost to Henry Tillman in the amateurs but later triumphed over him as a professional. As the countdown to Saturday's rematch begins, fans eagerly await the outcome of this intriguing showdown between Efe Ajagba and Joe Goodall. This event holds the potential to shape the future of these two skilled fighters and further ignite their rivalry on a grand stage.

In a surprising turn of events, boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are reportedly in discussions for a potential rematch, over eight years after their much-hyped "fight of the century." Pacquiao, who had officially retired following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, has ventured into the world of exhibition matches, much like Mayweather. The 44-year-old Pacquiao hinted at the possibility of squaring off against Mayweather again, a prospect that has piqued the interest of boxing fans worldwide. Pacquiao, who is still actively training, shared the exciting news during an interview with Fight Hub TV. He disclosed that he has an exhibition match scheduled for December, which is slated to take place in Japan. When pressed further about the details of his next in-ring appearance, Pacquiao dropped the bombshell that negotiations were underway with Mayweather for a potential fight. This revelation has fueled speculation about whether the match could transcend the realm of exhibitions and become a professional bout, thereby putting Mayweather's iconic 50-0 unbeaten record at stake. The last time these two boxing legends clashed was in May 2015, when Mayweather emerged victorious via a unanimous decision, despite Pacquiao's tenacity and determination. The prospect of a rematch has reignited the competitive fire within Pacquiao, who appears eager for another opportunity to test his skills against the undefeated Mayweather. In addition to his ambitions for a Mayweather rematch, Pacquiao is eyeing a surprising return to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He revealed that his nation has submitted a request to the Olympics Committee to allow him to participate, despite the age limit typically associated with Olympic boxing. If granted the opportunity, Pacquiao intends to compete in the Olympics, demonstrating that his passion for the sport knows no bounds. The potential rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather has the boxing world buzzing with anticipation. It remains to be seen whether these negotiations will lead to a monumental bout that could redefine the legacies of these two all-time greats.